Pomerium

Music for the Tudor Queens

Pomerium, “a driving force for performances of Renaissance polyphony” (The Washington Post), sings music from the reigns of Mary Tudor and Elizabeth I, one of the most turbulent periods in English history. Composers at Mary Tudor’s court wrote music that was stunningly ornate, based on chants grounded in Catholic liturgy. Elizabeth I outlawed Catholicism and favored a leaner style, but much brilliant music was written during her reign. Ecstatic motets and ethereal movements from the Mass, including sections from Tallis’s elaborate Missa Puer natus est nobis, are featured.

Part of Salon Encores.

Performers

PomeriumAlexander Blachly, Director

Program

For Mary Tudor (reigned 1553–1558):

TALLIS "Te lucis ante terminum"

TALLIS "Salvator mundi"

TALLIS Gloria: Missa Puer natus est nobis

SHEPPARD "In manus tuas Domine"

TALLIS Sanctus: Missa Puer natus est nobis

R. WHITE "Regina caeli laetare"

TALLIS Agnus Dei: Missa Puer natus est nobis

For Elizabeth I (reigned 1558–1603):

BYRD "Christe, qui lux es et dies"

TALLIS "In jejunio et fletu"

TALLIS "Derelinquat impius"

BYRD "O lux, beata Trinitas"

BYRD "In resurrectione tua"

BYRD "Haec Dies"

Reminiscences of the 16th Century:

PURCELL Fantasy Upon One Note, Z. 745 (set to text by Richard Crashaw)